Despite the New England Patriots’ 4-13 record last season, the team emerged from the off-season feeling optimistic about rookie quarterback Drake Maye’s potential as a foundational player.
To bolster the support around Maye, the Patriots made strategic moves during the three-day NFL draft.
Their first significant step was selecting offensive tackle Will Campbell from LSU with the fourth-overall pick.
Standing tall at 6-foot-6 and weighing 320 pounds, Campbell addresses the pressing need on the offensive line that previously ranked poorly in both pass-block and run-block win rates.
In his college career, Campbell demonstrated his prowess mainly at left tackle, where he logged 2,451 snaps and allowed only two sacks over the past two seasons.
Now, his focus shifts to shielding Maye’s blind side.
Though some analysts have noted Campbell’s shorter arm length as a potential drawback, new Patriots coach Mike Vrabel emphasized that Campbell’s attributes, like resilience and effort on the field, would be key to his success.
“We’ve valued his play demeanor and finishing ability. We’ll continue emphasizing that and give him every chance to develop,” said Vrabel.
Campbell himself is committed to his role, stating passionately, “I’m going to fight and die to protect him [Maye] with everything I’ve got.” This declaration earned him praise, with Maye expressing his approval on social media.
The Patriots further strengthened their offensive line by drafting former Georgia center Jared Wilson in the third round. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 310 pounds, Wilson looks to emulate the lasting impact of former Patriots center David Andrews, also from Georgia.
Beyond fortifying their protection, the Patriots added offensive weapons, selecting versatile running back TreVeyon Henderson from Ohio State in the second round. While their roster already includes Rhamondre Stevenson, Henderson presents another dynamic option in Josh McDaniels’ offensive scheme.
Eliot Wolf, the executive vice president of player personnel, remarked, “We’re drafting with our current roster in mind, seeking to add speed even if a position wasn’t a primary need.”
Additionally, the Patriots addressed their receiving corps by picking Kyle Williams, a receiver from Washington State, in the third round, supplementing the free-agent acquisition of Stefon Diggs.
Defensively, Vrabel, who has a legacy with New England from his Super Bowl triumphs as a linebacker, sought to craft a more aggressive unit during the draft’s latter stages.
In doing so, the Patriots secured safety Craig Woodson from California, defensive tackle Joshua Farmer from Florida State, and edge rusher Bradyn Swinson from LSU.
Furthermore, special teams saw a focus, as the Patriots selected Miami kicker Andres Borregales, recognized as the NFL draft’s top kicker this year.
Borregales showcased exceptional accuracy in his senior season, converting 18 of 19 field goal attempts and all 62 extra points, positioning him favorably to seize the starting role after Joey Slye’s departure in free agency.
With John Parker Romo as the only other kicker on the Patriots roster, the team anticipates Borregales making an immediate impact.